Well-known conservationist Robert Ripberger, of Syracuse, who fought hard for the legalization of the crossbow for hunting big game in this state, died last year before seeing his dream become a reality. Ripberger passed away on May 27.

Lawmakers have since passed a law approving crossbows, but their use is only during the regular firearms season and afterward — not during the regular bowhunting season, which precedes the firearms season. The new law, which has a sunset clause and is only good for one year, takes effect this fall.

State senators David Valesky and John DeFrancisco recently proposed an amendment to the law to change the name of it to the “Richard R. Ripberger crossbow legalization act.”

It’s not a slam dunk as far as some outdoors advocates are concerned.

The bill that was passed was far from the originally introduced bill,” said Stephen Wowelko, president of the Onondaga Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs. A crossbow is not considered a bow and arrow.

“Some feel because of the bastardization of the bill, with five revisions, it would be an insult to the good name of Bob Ripberger to name the current bill after him,” he said.